Home › Destinations › Murudeshwar › 2 Days in Murudeshwar

1 DayMurudeshwar

2 Days in Murudeshwar

Planning 2 days in Murudeshwar? Murudeshwar is a coastal town in Karnataka famed for its towering Shiva statue and temple on Kanduka Hill, overlooking the Arabian Sea. This 2-day itinerary covers the temple, nearby islands, waterfalls, and quiet beaches, blending spiritual heritage with coastal exploration. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1: Temple, Gopuram, and Island Adventure

Day 1

Begin with the iconic Murudeshwar Temple and the world's second-tallest Shiva statue, then ascend the Rajagopuram for panoramic views. After a coastal lunch, head to Netrani Island for snorkeling or diving, and end the day with sunset at Murudeshwar Beach.

Activities

Murudeshwar Temple & Shiva Statue
Murudeshwar Rajagopuram
Netrani Island
Murudeshwar Beach

Meals

•Breakfast at hotel or local cafe
•Lunch at a seafood restaurant near the beach
•Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with temple view

Day 2: Waterfalls, Eco Beach, and Coastal Towns

Day 2

Drive south to Apsarakonda Falls and Eco Beach for a refreshing morning, then continue to Honnavar for its mangroves and river views. Return via Bhatkal to explore its historic port and markets before heading back to Murudeshwar.

Activities

Eco Beach
Apsarakonda Falls
Honnavar
Bhatkal

Meals

•Breakfast at hotel
•Lunch at a local eatery in Honnavar or Bhatkal
•Dinner at a restaurant in Murudeshwar

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

8 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe

Start early with a South Indian breakfast like idli, dosa, or poori. Many hotels offer these; a budget cafe near the bus stand charges around ₹50–₹100 per person.

08:00 AM

Visit Murudeshwar Temple and Shiva Statue

The temple is on Kanduka Hill, a promontory jutting into the Arabian Sea. The 123-feet (37 m) Shiva statue, built in the early 2000s with funding from R.N. Shetty, is visible from afar. Dress modestly; remove footwear before entering the temple. Entry is free, but donations are common. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.

10:00 AM

Climb the Rajagopuram

The Rajagopuram is one of the tallest gopurams in the world. Take the elevator (ticket ₹20–₹30) to the upper floors for panoramic views of the statue, temple, and the Arabian Sea. The top offers excellent photo opportunities. Spend about 30–45 minutes here.

11:30 AM

Walk around the temple complex and seaside promenade

Explore the temple's architecture and the surrounding gardens. The promenade along the sea wall offers views of the statue from below and the waves crashing against the rocks. Relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Lunch at a seafood restaurant

Try fresh coastal Karnataka seafood like fish curry rice or prawn ghee roast. Popular places include Naveen Beach Restaurant or Kudla Restaurant. Expect to pay ₹200–₹400 per person for a hearty meal.

02:00 PM

Boat ride to Netrani Island (Pigeon Island)

Take a shared boat from Murudeshwar jetty (about 30–45 minutes each way). Netrani is a heart-shaped island known for coral reefs and marine life. If you're not diving, you can snorkel or just enjoy the island. Boat charges are around ₹500–₹800 per person for a return trip; snorkeling gear may be extra. Confirm weather conditions before going.

04:30 PM

Return to Murudeshwar and relax at Murudeshwar Beach

After the island trip, head to the beach directly below the temple hill. The sand is clean and the water is calm. You can swim or just relax. As the sun begins to set, the view of the Shiva statue silhouetted against the sky is unforgettable.

Evening

06:30 PM

Sunset and evening aarti at the temple

Witness the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at the temple, which is a spiritual experience. The atmosphere is serene with the sound of bells and chants. Afterward, take a final walk along the beach before dinner.

Day 2

8 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Breakfast and departure for Apsarakonda

Have breakfast at your hotel or a local eatery. Then drive or hire an auto for the 25 km trip to Apsarakonda Falls, which takes about 45 minutes. The falls are seasonal, best after monsoon (June–September).

08:30 AM

Visit Apsarakonda Falls

Apsarakonda is a scenic waterfall that drops directly into the sea, a rare sight. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery. There is a small temple nearby. Entry is free, but parking may cost ₹20. Carry water and wear comfortable shoes for the short walk.

10:00 AM

Explore Eco Beach

Eco Beach is a clean, less-crowded beach near Apsarakonda, known for its golden sand and clear water. It's a good spot for swimming and relaxing. There are basic changing rooms and a few shacks selling snacks. Spend an hour here.

11:30 AM

Drive to Honnavar

Honnavar is about 20 km south. The drive along the coast is scenic. Honnavar is a port town at the confluence of the Sharavati River and the Arabian Sea. You can visit the Honnavar Mangrove Boardwalk, a unique walkway through mangroves, for a small fee (₹10–₹20).

Afternoon

01:00 PM

Lunch in Honnavar

Try local Kannada cuisine at a restaurant like Hotel Sharavati or a local fish thali. A meal costs around ₹150–₹300 per person. After lunch, you can visit the Honnavar fort ruins or just stroll along the riverbank.

03:00 PM

Drive to Bhatkal

Bhatkal is about 30 km south of Honnavar. This historic port town has a mix of cultures, with ancient temples and a significant Muslim population. Visit the Khetapai Narayan Temple or the Bhatkal Fort, but be aware of local timings. The town is also known for its unique Bhatkal biryani.

05:00 PM

Return to Murudeshwar

Drive back to Murudeshwar, which takes about 45 minutes. If time permits, stop at Murudeshwar Beach for a final sunset view. Otherwise, head to your hotel to freshen up.

Evening

07:00 PM

Dinner and evening leisure

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant with a view of the illuminated Shiva statue. Many rooftop restaurants offer this. Try local seafood or a simple vegetarian meal. After dinner, you can take a quiet walk along the beach under the stars.

Food Recommendations

Naveen Beach Restaurant

Seafood, Coastal Karnataka

Must Try: Fish Curry Rice, Prawn Ghee Roast

₹200–₹400 per person

Kudla Restaurant

South Indian, Seafood

Must Try: Neer Dosa with Fish Curry, Chicken Sukka

₹150–₹350 per person

Hotel Sharavati (Honnavar)

Kannada, North Karnataka

Must Try: Bisi Bele Bath, Chapati with Kurma

₹100–₹250 per person

Transportation Tips

The nearest major railway station is Murudeshwar Railway Station, on the Konkan Railway line, with trains from Mangaluru and Mumbai.
From the station, auto-rickshaws and local buses are available to the temple (about 2 km).
To explore Netrani Island, book a boat through local operators near the jetty; confirm weather and safety before departure.
For day trips to Apsarakonda and Honnavar, hire a private taxi for the day (around ₹1,500–₹2,500) or use local buses that run frequently along the coastal highway.